Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Still a Happy September For Me!

Hi everybody!

Well, this last thread has been a blast - you're learning about me an I'm learning about you! I got a really wonderful email from a reader in Florida that I thought I'd share This is what Barbie wrote!

Hi, Alane --I'm probably a little bit older than your average reader; much as I'd like to dispute the fact, I have reached middle age. Egads, I certainly don't feel like it! I discovered your series last spring when The Christopher Killer was selected as one of Florida's Teen Reads books for 2008-2009. I was then working in a high school library as an aide, and when I heard about your book I knew I had to read it. I love forensic novels. I started with Patricia Cornwell and have since moved onto Tess Gerritsen and Kathy Reichs. Since working in a school library, I've become more acquainted with YA fiction. I was introduced to Stephenie Meyer that way, and now you. After reading Cameryn's first story, I had to get my hands on the following two. And I'm just as eager as Nicole (re your current blog) to read this fourth installment. I'm looking forward to the progression in the relationship between Cameryn and Justin. Please let there be more heat! Okay, chaste heat. ;) Everything you've written about The Dying Breath promises an exciting read. I'll be keeping an eye out so I'll know when to start looking for it in the bookstores.I'm thrilled you're coming to Orlando for the FAME conference later this month. I wish you a wonderful and safe journey to the sunshine state.I've taken up enough of your time. Now, please get back to finishing The Dying Breath! :)Barbie

So this was especially fun for me, because I've got readers of this series now who are all different ages! It's exciting to think that mother/daughter teams are reading my work (Team Justin or Team Kyle - just kidding!) and I want you all to know how honored I am to hear all of your kind comments! They really keep me going!

Darla wrote: it's funny how you can be so contradicting of yourself and not write at all like that. Wow - is Darla ever right! I am an enigma! No one, not even me, can figure me out! So now it's back to work so I can write you that I am finally done. I am very close! Keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

Closer and closer! My mom (the famous writer) just read my chapter and she said it made her cry. Won't tell you why, though! But I love these characters and it's funny, because when things happen to them it feels as though it's happening to real people.

If you guys get people reading them then there will be more! I'm excited to be on the Florida list, but it's really word-of-mouth that gets a book launched. Thanks so much for your energy and enthusiasm - hugs all around!

The Florida Teen Read is where young adults read books that made it on a final, pre-chosen list (what a thrill to be picked) and then the readers vote for their favorite! I was also on the YALSA 'Teens for Ten' nomination list, and I'm on a couple of other (Missouri!) state lists as well! So if any of you are in those states, PLEASE vote for me! It's really cool because then I get to go to the state where I win (I won in Indiana and got to fly out there to pick up the award!) so keep me in mind! Now, as always, back to work.

That's exactly what an author tries to do - our goal is to create a world that you can walk around and characters who feel alive to our readers. I must say, Darla, that you have the soul of a writer...

That would be AWESOME! I have two trips to Florida coming up - I'll be in Orlando for the FAME Conference September 24-27th, and then I'll be in Tampa the last week of October. (But I'll be home in time for Hallowen!) I'll also speak in Kansas September 17 and 18th - so that's why I'm writing like a mad woman - I need to send the whole manuscript in before I start all of that speaking. Oh, and I'm also speaking in Westminster September 29th and 30th, which is located outside of Denver. Aack - back to work for me!

And I've always wondered what would happen if the author ever changed a little thing in the story. Like, I know it's crazy but it would be cool to see what would happen if Cameron kept Kyle's reappearance a secret... although it does sound a little like Cameron to do something like that. Hmmmm...:)

You made me laugh, Leah, and I was just writing this really scary scene! Must clear my head! Team KYLE? The guy is sooo dangerous and completely crazy! But he thinks Cameryn belongs to him, so you can imagine the problems. Oh, and one tiny hint, since we're speaking of love...Valentine's Day plays a part in TDB! And now for my evil laugh - mawhahahah! I'd better get back to work. Darn it, I'm STILL laughing!

And Darla - I can always tell a good writer! See! My spider sense told me you were creative! So I'll get back to creating. I am going to try once again capture the mood, but I'm having a hard time because I keep seeing these Team Justin :) Team Kyle :( tee shirts in my head! Must stop giggling and concentrate!

And you know what? I'm all about loving life. My editor once called me 'relentlessly cheerful' and the people I went to Ireland with called me 'obnoxiously happy.' Is this a good thing? Hmmmmmmm. I guess I think it is! I've had hard times in my life, but so does everyone, and I choose to look on the bright side. Again, I'm an odd mix of personality traits. I was interviewed for an article in the Rocky Mountain News when I was nominated for the Edgar for THE CHRISTOPHER KILLER, and Patty Thorn, who did the interview, said I wasn't at all what she expected. "You're just so...sunny. I thought, since you wrote about murder, that you'd be kind of, well, more down." Of course I just laughed (what I always do) and told her I get that a lot. So lets all keep on smilin'! I can't help myself! :)

Ohmygosh - Xhanthia - you are hilarious! I wish you could see me sitting here at my computer, laughing out loud. You guys have my exact sense of humor! Love the 'Sociopath' idea, except the school administrators might not get our particular brand of giggles and grins. Best to keep it to 'Team Kyle - I'm Crazy For Him Right Back!'

I'm absolutely DYING to be done! I've had some amazing help - I just got off the phone with Deputy Scott Mackey (he checks out my work to be sure it's accurate, a process called vetting) and he told me the grossest stories! People who get kind of far gone in the decomposition process are called "Skittles" because they turn so many colors. It takes a very special person to really deal with that. I only write it. So back to romance (yeah Justin!) - I mean, seriously, SKITTLES. Yuck! I've been to autopsies but I could NOT deal with a multi-colored corpse. Thank God there are people who can - what would we do without them?

It'll all depend on my editor after that. So far my readers have loved TDB best of all because it is so scary and Justin and Cameryn are FINALLY together. We'll see what my editor thinks! So thanks for spurring me on - I'll get back to it! (Justin and Cameryn are kissing right now! Huzzah!)

Just means I'll have to revise. That's what editors do! The Angel of Death sailed through without many changes, but The Circle of Blood had more. So we'll see! Light a candle, say a prayer and throw all good thoughts my way!

This is really random, but Dr. Moore is one of my favorite characters. (He's so sarcastic) He and Cameryn are always arguing, but it's always Dr. Moore who helps her out in tough spots. Is he going to be in The Dying Breath?

Hey, everyone, getting a compliment like that from a man whose life is forensics and the law is AWESOME! Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog, Deputy! It's so cool to know my work passes muster with a professional!

I just spent the entire evening engrossed in your book The Circle of Blood (when I really should've been touching up on my AP US History homework...heh) Amazing. I get chills whenever I read your novels... so dark and intriguing. Have you ever watched The X-Files? I was still sucking my thumb when the series came out, but I think of the series whenever I read your books-- they also center on forensic science, as well as an ongoing tug between the realistic and paranormal.

Anyways... here I am, rambling on and on like a giddy fangirl. Anyways, good luck with everything!

I live in Missouri and I read your book because it was our Book Club book. Wow! After we read it we found out it was on our gateway award nominee list for the 2008-2009 school year. I will definitely be voting for it! After I read the christopher killer i though about it from time to time over the summer, but i didn't look up the sequels until i had to choose a book for an IRA (independent reading assignment) for my eighth grade reading class. i got the angel of death and the circle of blood at my town's library the next day and i read them both over the course of that evening! i stayed up until midnight to finish the circle of blood and then i couldn't go to sleep because i was so freaked out about kyle! i had to leave my bedside lamp on and turn my happy music up to go to sleep! it's always an accomplishment when an author can keep me up like that because i have read so many books.

PS- your blog is definitely on my 'to check regularly' list now that i know you have it! you're in good company, seeing as how james patterson, ally carter, and stephenie meyer are also on that list! for anyone who has no idea who ally carter is, she writes the gallagher girls series about girls who go to a spy school masquerading as a snobby private school. its so good!

I JUST got back from Kansas and now I'm putting the finishing touches on The Dying Breath, but I had to stop and quickly tell everyone how much your messages have meant to me! To find out that I have kept a reader up at night (yeah Linda!) is the HIGHEST compliment! And I even heard from a reader named Cammie, so that was a blast, since she has the same name as my character! FUN! So these hugs from across the miles have come at the very best of times, since I had to squeeze speaking in between finishing up the manuscript and I'm a bit bleary-eyed. I also have to leave on Tuesday for Orlando and Monday is my daughter's birthday, so it's a bit harried over here in my office. Thanks for the fan buzz - it's better than coffee! And now, as always, I will finish and put TDB in your hands!

Award-winning author Alane Ferguson discusses her books, writing and her life on her brand new blog. Her Sleuth Forensic Mystery Series' third and latest novel entitled THE CIRCLE OF BLOOD and has just been reviewd by VOYA as the 'best one yet!' Alane is hard at work on her fourth, entitled THE DYING BREATH.

About Me

I am currently writing my 33nd book - "The Forensic Academy Murders" the fifth novel in my Sleuth Forensic Mystery series. I have three perfect (really!) children, four amazing grandchildren (I know, I look too young, hahah!) and and truly incredible husband who is my best friend. Since I was young, I've found myself drawn to the world that I believe exists beyond our sight. I like to explore the paranormal because I think it validates that there is more to life than what we see. People fascinate me - why do they do what they do and how does their life experiences impact their choices? Since my best friend Savannah was the victim of a serial killer, I've spend a lot of my time studying the minds of murderers. I do believe in evil, but I also believe that EVERY person is valuable, and I enjoy individuality - all are welcome at my table. I hope to inspire others to write their own stories!